Overview
- The resurrection of the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar concept.
- Key features of the Flexbar, including customizability and multi-platform compatibility.
- Insights into its Kickstarter campaign and pricing.
- How the Flexbar can enhance productivity for creatives and professionals.
The Touch Bar Lives Again
Apple’s MacBook Pro Touch Bar may have faded into history, but a new device called Flexbar promises to bring its concept back with enhanced functionality and adaptability. Created by Eniac, a startup founded by four engineers, the Flexbar is a standalone version of the iconic Touch Bar. It connects to various devices via USB and delivers an innovative way to interact with your workspace.
Unlike Apple’s integrated Touch Bar, the Flexbar is designed to work across desktops, laptops, and even tablets, supporting both Windows and macOS platforms. This versatility means you’re no longer tied to Apple hardware to enjoy the benefits of a dynamic touch interface.
A New Spin on Customization
The Flexbar is packed with features that make it more appealing than the original Touch Bar. While Apple’s version offered limited personalization, the Flexbar introduces an app called FlexbarDesigner, which is already available for Windows (with macOS support in the works).
Using this app, users can design their own buttons, shortcuts, and interface elements with a simple drag-and-drop system. For developers, a JavaScript-based SDK enables the creation of plug-ins, which will be available on a dedicated marketplace expected to launch in 2025.
What’s more, the Flexbar adapts to your workflow. For instance, when working with image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, the Flexbar can be positioned vertically to act as a dynamic toolbar. This layout allows quick access to tools and settings, saving time and boosting productivity.
The Kickstarter Campaign
The Flexbar is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter. Early backers can secure the device at a discounted price of $119 (full MSRP: $179), with deliveries anticipated by February 2025. However, as with any crowdfunding campaign, there are inherent risks. Eniac has shared that they source components through standard supply chains but haven’t disclosed the manufacturer of the Flexbar’s unique 10-inch 2K OLED screen.
If the Kickstarter campaign succeeds, the Flexbar could revolutionize how professionals, artists, and everyday users interact with their devices.
For similar article checkout: Apple Set to Launch Four New Apple M4 Macs This Fall: What to Expect from the Next-Gen Machines on SquaredTech
Why the Flexbar Could Succeed
Apple’s Touch Bar struggled because it was limited to specific MacBook Pro models, lacked meaningful customization, and didn’t cater to user demands. The Flexbar addresses these shortcomings by being platform-agnostic, customizable, and developer-friendly.
Its compatibility with various devices and applications makes it a game-changer for creative professionals and multitaskers. Whether you’re editing videos, designing graphics, or managing workflows, the Flexbar offers dynamic, customizable controls right at your fingertips.
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